DHS won't confirm Sheriff David Clarke's claim he was hired

A former DHS official told the Washington Examiner that Clarke was offered the position last month and will oversee the state and local law enforcement office. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke said Wednesday he accepted a position at the Department of Homeland Security, but the DHS public affairs office was unable to confirm his claim.

Clarke told local radio host Vicki McKenna he will step into his position as an assistant secretary next month. The White House said it was a "secretarial appointment," one that does not require Senate confirmation.

"The position mentioned is a secretarial appointment. Such senior positions are announced by the Department when made official by the Secretary. No such announcement with regard to the Office of Public Engagement has been made," DHS said in a statement.

But a former DHS official told the Washington Examiner that Clarke was offered the position last month and will oversee the state and local law enforcement office.